Lead Designer

Stellar Entertainment Software; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Holiday Accrual Scheme

Private Healthcare Plan incl. Dental

Pension Plan

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Regular Team Incentives

Job summary

Stellar Entertainment Software is seeking a Lead Designer in Guildford, UK, to shape the creative vision from early concept to ship. You will guide the design process, mentor designers, and work closely with CCO, Technical Director, and Production to deliver standout features in a hybrid on-site environment.

You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, prototype, document design pillars, and ensure gameplay quality across AAA PC/console titles, maintaining player-centric focus throughout development.

Qualifications

• Experience shipping multiple AAA PC and Console titles as a Lead Designer.
• Strong understanding of core design disciplines including systems design, level design and game feel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine.
• Proven track record of leading and motivating teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and grow a team of designers across disciplines and provide career development support.
• Turn innovative ideas into compelling gameplay experiences centered on the player.
• Create and maintain clear design documentation and feature specifications.
• Prototype and iterate features using playtesting and feedback before shipping.
• Collaborate with engineering and art leads to scope features within technical and schedule constraints.
• Represent the design team in reviews and presentations with external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Communication

Gameplay design

Documentation

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

We're looking for someone with experience working in a fast paced, AAA environment to join us as a Lead Designer, where you will play a key role in shaping the creative vision of our titles from the beginning of our projects through to shipping. You will guide the design process, inspire the team, and ensure that every detail of our game amazes our players. This role sits at the intersection of creative direction and team leadership, working closely with the Chief Creative Officer, Technical Director and Production to turn ideas into shippable features. As our Lead Designer you will:

• Lead, mentor and grow a team of designers across disciplines such as systems, level, and technical design, providing regular feedback and career development support.
• Turn innovative ideas into compelling gameplay experiences, keeping the player at the centre of every decision.
• Create and maintain clear design documentation, including high-level pillars and feature specifications for the wider team to reference.
• Prototype and iterate on features, using playtesting and feedback to refine them before they go into full production.
• Collaborate with engineering and art leads to scope features realistically, balancing creative ambition against technical constraints, budget and schedule.
• Know the market: Track market trends and competitor titles to keep our games fresh and ahead of the curve.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with our external partners, representing the design team in reviews and presentations.
• Experience shipping multiple AAA PC and Console titles as a Lead Designer.
• A strong understanding of core design disciplines, including systems design, level design and game feel.
• A genuine passion for games and a broad knowledge of titles across genres and eras.
• A player-first mindset, always advocating for the end experience.
• A proven track record of leading and motivating teams, with a curious, open approach that brings out the best in people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design intent clearly to both creative and technical colleagues.
• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine.
• The ability to give and receive constructive criticism, and to make tough calls when priorities conflict.
• Calm, decisive and empathetic approach, especially around key milestones.

Bonus Points For

• Programming or scripting knowledge, such as C++ or Blueprints.
• Familiarity with art packages such as Photoshop.

We are a video game development studio with offices in Guildford, UK and Utrecht, Netherlands. Sitting within the heart of thriving communities of game developers and publishers, we focus on quality and excellence, and our partners and players are always at the front of everything we do.

Games are not just about gameplay. We believe in the importance of balancing every single aspect of a game that you, as a player will interact with; what you see, how you play and how it makes you feel. It couldn't be a more exciting time to join us as we embark on a new unannounced arcade racing project, pushing the boundaries of all aspects of the game to create a truly AAA experience.

What you can expect from us

• Flexible hybrid working (we work 3 days per week on-site)
• Holiday Accrual Scheme
• International AAA game projects;
• Access to cutting-edge hardware;
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private Healthcare Plan incl. Dental and Eye care
• Pension Plan
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme - Wellness Support
• Regular Team Incentives and Social Events